Fourteen Alberta museums and heritage sites are facing a budget cut from the provincial government, including Wetaskiwin’s own Reynolds-Alberta museum.
Starting Oct. 16, the attraction will be closed Mondays, except for holiday Mondays, and be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Cynthia Blackmore, the head of marketing and communications at the museum, is “hopeful that people will refer to our website and Facebook to confirm we are open before they make their plan.”
It’s also expected the museum will be hiring fewer summer staff.
Visitors who have an interest in Alberta’s agriculture and transportation history have enjoyed the Reynolds-Alberta museum for almost 30 years.
Its collection of antique automobiles, motorcycles and agricultural equipment attracts school groups, families and curious mechanical fans.
The budget for the Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women has dropped $33 million, from $218 million in the 2019-20 fiscal year to $185 million inthe 2020-21 fiscal year.
In a statement adressing the budget cuts to museums and heritage sites, the ministry said, “No full-time government of Alberta staff positions have been reduced at these facilities, however, 17 contract temporary part-time positions will not be renewed.”
